Matera Ape Tour: a practical first look at the Sassi
Why start your visit with a Matera Ape Tour
A Matera Ape Tour is especially useful when you have just arrived in the city. Matera is built on slopes, layers and winding streets, so seeing the overall layout first can make the rest of your visit much easier to plan.
The approximately 50-minute route gives you a compact introduction without taking over your whole day. You can identify the areas you want to return to on foot, while still enjoying an experience in its own right.
See Sasso Caveoso and the historic centre by Ape
The route connects characteristic views of Sasso Caveoso, rock dwellings, the Gravina and central Matera. Because the vehicle is small and panoramic, you remain close to the urban landscape while moving efficiently between different areas.
Photo stops and the multilingual audio guide help turn the journey into more than simple transport: the tour becomes an orientation session for the city as well as a sightseeing experience.
Who is a Matera Ape tour good for?
The experience works well for couples, families, senior travellers and anyone who prefers to combine walking with a more comfortable panoramic ride. It can also be useful on hot days or when your time in Matera is limited.
If reducing long walks is one of your priorities, see our page on how to visit Matera without too much walking.
Booking your Ape tour in Matera
The meeting point is agreed when you book, and the tour information lists departures between 09:00 and 21:00. Francesco “Barabba” drives the experience, supported by a multilingual audio guide and planned photo stops.
You can also see the established Sassi di Matera Tuk Tuk Tour for the main product details.
Itinerary and Main Stages
of the Sassi di Matera Tuk Tuk Tour
Departure from the point agreed at booking
Brief presentation of the tour
Sasso Caveoso
We walk through the alleys carved into the rock, admiring the perfectly preserved cave dwellings
Stop at the Belvedere for a breathtaking view of the Gravina canyon
Rock Churches
Pass by the Church of San Pietro Barisano and the small hidden crypts
Anecdotes on rituals, paintings and millenary legends
Casa Grotta
Stop to discover the typical rock dwelling
Explanation of the techniques of daily life in the past
Piazza Duomo and Palombaro Lungo
Arrival in the square with a view of the Cathedral
Short panoramic tour above the large underground reservoir, with curiosities about the ancient cisterns
Back through the alleyways
The tuk-tuk climbs up through the narrowest and most atmospheric alleyways
Last stop for photos
What It Includes
Duration: 50 Minute Tour
Panoramic and protected tuk-tuk: perfect for every season
Ergonomic seats and ample space for light luggage
Multilingual audio guides in all world languages
Expert driver and narrator: Francesco “Barabba”
Photo-stops at strategic points and tips for the best shots
Practical Information
Meeting point: Agreed at the time of booking
End point of tour: Any point in the centre of Matera
Available times: from 09:00 to 21:00
Suitable for everyone: children, seniors and people with reduced mobility.
Experience Matera at 360°: from the millenary history of the Sassi to the unspoilt nature of the Murgia, all in one unforgettable journey with Barabba!
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Matera Ape Tour?
The Sassi panoramic route lasts about 50 minutes.
When is the best time to take the tour?
It is particularly useful near the beginning of your visit, when you want to understand the layout of Matera.
Can I take photos during the tour?
Yes. The itinerary includes panoramic photo stops.
Where does the tour end?
The tour information states that the end point can be arranged at a convenient point in central Matera.
What are you waiting for,
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